National conference of Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at NIMHANS stresses need for access to rehabilitation

National conference of Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at NIMHANS stresses need for access to rehabilitation

Asserting the need for affordable and accessible rehabilitation, participants at the 53rd annual conference of the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMRCON 2025) at NIMHANS stressed on a need to develop manpower with expertise in rehabilitation. 

The conference, with the theme ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Advancing Rehabilitation for All’, highlighted the urgent need to address the growing disability burden globally and in India. 

Over 300 delegates attended the conference on January 30 that was jointly organised by the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation at NIMHANS, Kaveri Association of Rehabilitation Medicine (KARM) and the Karnataka Chapter of Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR).

In his inaugural address, B. N. Gangadhar, Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC), stressed on the need for rehabilitation to be kept affordable while being made available across the country. He highlighted the role of multi-disciplinary approach to rehabilitation and the need to have an integrated rehabilitation approach. 

P. Thirunavukkarasu, presiding officer of IAPMR, emphasised on the need for teaching disability etiquette during undergraduate medical education and developing manpower with expertise in rehabilitation. 

NIMHANS Director Pratima Murthy highlighted the institute’s 50-year legacy and multi-disciplinary approach to providing comprehensive rehabilitation. She drew attention to the potential role of tele-rehabilitation in addressing challenges at the community level. 

She also highlighted the importance of integrating mental health into rehabilitation care to ensure holistic treatment for persons with disabilities. “Collaboration between specialities is key to advancing rehabilitation outcomes in India,” she said. 

Maheswarappa B. M., acting president of the Karnataka chapter of IAPMR, expressed confidence in the future of medical rehabilitation and the need to address shortage of rehabilitation professionals across India. 

The scientific programme featured a diverse array of lectures, research presentations, and interactive workshops, covering advanced rehabilitation protocols and advances in rehabilitation technology. Delegates and speakers collectively stressed on the need for innovation and policy-driven solutions to improve the quality of life for over one billion people with disabilities globally.